FBI Reveals Reason Behind Overnight Military Exercises That Alarmed SoCal Residents: Report

LOS ANGELES, CA — The FBI says a series of military training exercises that startled residents across Southern California last week were part of security preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a report.

The exercises drew complaints from residents in Pasadena, Long Beach and elsewhere after military helicopters flew low over neighborhoods late at night while troops conducted urban warfare-style drills that included simulated gunfire, flash-bang explosions and rooftop insertions.

Editor's note: The video embedded below contains profane language.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LBCode3Media (@lbcode3media)

According to KTLA, an unnamed FBI official said similar training could continue in Southern California over the next two years as law enforcement and military agencies prepare for large-scale events including the Super Bowl and the 2028 Olympic Games.

Patch has reached out to the FBI for more information.

One exercise last week drew a particularly strong reaction.

At the vacant St. Luke Medical Center property in Pasadena, residents reported hearing helicopters, explosions and simulated gunfire into the early morning hours Thursday.

Video shared by Pasadena City Councilman Rick Cole showed military helicopters operating over the site as late as 2 a.m.

"It has been quite the evening here for the residents who are literally across the street," Cole said in a video posted online during the exercise. "It's 2 a.m., and we've just been treated to 45 minutes of simulated gunfire and flash bang grenades."

Pasadena officials said the military notified the Police Department about the training months in advance but provided few operational details. Elected leaders were not informed until hours before the exercise began, and residents received a public notice at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Mayor Victor Gordo criticized the lack of information provided to the city, noting that the affected neighborhood was heavily impacted by the Eaton Fire earlier this year.

Residents also questioned the timing and location of the operation.

"Everyone's a little bit traumatized," Pasadena resident John Birkett told KTLA. "And then you start hearing military helicopters and fake missiles and stuff."

Additional exercises were conducted at the abandoned Golden State Hotel in Long Beach, where helicopters dropped troops onto the roof while simulated gunfire and flash-bang devices were used, according to media reports. Similar training activity was also reported in Irvine and the City of Industry.

A military officer familiar with the training told the Los Angeles Times that the exercises involved highly specialized military units that seek realistic urban environments rather than traditional training facilities on military bases.

City News Service contributed to this report.